International Baseball mourns the passing of Jan Esselman

The international baseball community mourns the passing of former Confederation of European Baseball (CEB) President and WBSC official Jan Esselman. He was 81.

Esselman’s journey in baseball leadership began with his role as Vice President of Haarlem Nicols, a prominent baseball club in the Netherlands, where he served from 1985 to 1989. His work at Haarlem Nicols was the foundation of his influence in Dutch baseball, and he soon moved on to play a vital role in the Royal Dutch Baseball and Softball Federation (KNBSB). Esselman was commissioner (for competition affairs baseball) and board member of the KNBSB from 1989 through August 1996.

His impact reached beyond Dutch borders as he played significant roles in European baseball governance. In 1993, he joined the Technical Commission of the Confederation of European Baseball (CEB), serving as a member, secretary, and chairman over two decades until 2013.

He was also a dedicated member of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) Tournament Commission from 1994 to 2013.

In 2013, Esselman was elected President of the CEB, becoming only the second Dutch president in the organization’s history. He held the role until 2017, championing initiatives to promote baseball throughout Europe and supporting emerging talents across the continent. His presidency marked a time of unity and advancement for European baseball, as he fostered partnerships and promoted increased visibility for the sport.

WBSC Europe said Esselman’s contribution to baseball in the Netherlands and internationally cannot be overstated. "His strategic vision, dedication, and countless hours spent serving the sport earned him admiration from colleagues and players alike. Esselman’s passing is a profound loss, yet his influence and legacy will continue to inspire the baseball community for years," WBSC Europe stated.